Magnetic scanning system

Abstract

A scanning device for scanning data-carrying disks. The disks include a magnetisable layer to and from which data is written and read using a magnetic transducer, such as a Giant Magneto-Resistive (GMR) transducer. Positioning of the transducer over a data track is achieved by optical tracking using a land/groove structure, and positioning of the transducer with respect to the optical tracking system by means of a reference beam transmitted through the disk.

1 - 18 . (canceled)  
   
   
       19 . A record carrier with magnetically-recorded information thereon comprising a disk having land and/or groove tracks formed therein, wherein a region of the magnetic media corresponding to an individual land and/or groove track has a plurality of magnetic data tracks formed thereon.  
   
   
       20 . A record carrier with magnetically-recorded information thereon as claimed in  claim 19  wherein the land and/or groove tracks are optically detectable.  
   
   
       21 . A record carrier with magnetically-recorded information thereon as claimed in  claim 19  or  20  wherein the record carrier is partially transparent to a tracking, reference and/or heating beam.